How to use your gas boiler efficiently
Gas boilers work best when your home is kept at an even, comfortable temperature of between 18-20 degrees Celsius. You should try to avoid big spikes in internal room temperature. These can cause a build-up of condensation and mould.
You can control the internal temperature of your house by using the thermostat. If you want to control the temperature of individual rooms, use thermostatic valves on each radiator.
If you’re watching your gas bill, turn down the thermostatic radiator valves in rooms which are rarely used. Also do this in rooms where you don’t like it too hot, e.g. bedrooms. Keep the doors to these rooms closed so that warm air from the hallway/landing isn’t being wasted. You should also avoid putting large items of furniture in front of radiators. This will stop heat being distributed throughout your home.
Your hot water tank temperature should be no lower than 60 degrees Celsius. This temperature kills any bacteria that might be in your water tank. Turning your water tank to a lower temperature could leave you at risk of becoming ill.
The essentials to managing your gas boiler
Try to:
- Heat your home to a comfortable temperature of between 18-20 degrees Celsius.
- Get to know the controls for your heating system. Use your thermostat and thermostatic valves on the radiators to control the temperature of your house.
- Turn down thermostatic valves on the radiators in rooms which are not in use.
- Leave the settings alone once you have found a comfortable heat.
- Keep the doors closed throughout the house to prevent heat from escaping.
Avoid:
- Allowing internal temperatures in your house to fluctuate, causing spikes in temperature.
- Turning thermostat temperature up by too much.
- Putting large items of furniture in front of radiators. This will prevent heat from being distributed throughout your house.
- Letting your hot water tank temperature get below 60 degrees Celsius.
More detail if you need it
What is a gas boiler?
- Gas boilers act like mini-fires and continuously heat water. Gas boilers run on mains gas. Mains gas is the natural gas that is distributed to homes through pipes. Gas boilers are the most popular heating system in the UK.
How do gas boilers work?
- Our properties that use mains gas will either have a balanced flue or a condensing boiler. Both of these boilers run on mains gas that is burned to heat water for the central heating and hot water system.
- Balanced flue boilers are generally found in older properties. A balanced flue system allows all the gases produced from burning the mains gas to be removed from the home. This system also allows air to enter from outside to supply the system with oxygen.
- Condensing boilers pass the mains gas through a heat exchanger. This warms up the cold water returning from the radiators. This reduces the work the boiler has to do. There are two types of the newer, condensing boilers. Combination boilers supply heating and hot water directly from the boiler. System boilers require a separate hot water tank.
For more information on your specific central heating system please refer to your user manual. If you would like a copy of the manual please contact us.
Gas suppliers
There are a number of mains gas suppliers. Hastoe recommends that you regularly review your tariff. When your contract period is coming to an end, make sure you explore the market to ensure you are on the most competitive rate. Price comparison websites may be useful.
Useful links
